Preparing for the Hajj: More Than Packing Your Bags

A Muslim pilgrim walks with his son along the road in the Mina valley three miles east of the Saudi Arabian holy city of Mecca during the Hajj, on November 14, 2010
(MUSTAFA OZER/AFP/Getty)

Today marks the third and most important day of the Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage that has drawn as many as three million Muslims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The four-day trip is arduous, packed with rituals and prayers. Most pilgrims begin planning for the trip up to six months in advance and set aside around $2,000 to make the journey. Some are encouraged to get in good physical shape, build their immune system, prepare a will, and go through counseling so they are mentally prepared.

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It was expression of submission, there was a sense of calm and peace that came about with it and I didnt expect that at all.

The BBC's Shaimaa Khalil gives us a visual report from her place on the ground at the event. We also talk about the intensive preparations with Shahidah Sharif, who has completed the Hajj seven times. She and her husband run Professional Hajj & Umrah Guides.